Jacobs, who's also an infielder, may be called upon again when Calvary (26-7) plays Mt. Paran (24-9) in the GHSA Class A state championship at the Bethesda Home for Boys. The best-of-three series begins Tuesday at 1 p.m.

"Any team this far along in the playoffs has to be deep in pitching," Calvary coach Kevin Farmer said. "Fortunately, we've got four guys who have been doing a fantastic job on the mound. (Chris) Jacobs is on right now. He's playing very well."

In Game 3 of the state quarterfinals against Bowdon, Jacobs started on the mound and allowed only two runs on three hits. The Cavaliers won 18-2 in a game that ended in the fourth inning via the 15-run mercy rule, sending Calvary to the state semifinals.

In Game 3 of the state semifinals against Atkinson County, Calvary starter Brad Hutson pitched well, striking out six and not allowing a walk in 5 1/3 innings.

In the sixth inning, however, Atkinson County's Garrett White singled off Hutson's ankle. The 5-foot-11, 151-pound right-hander remained in the game but he was not the same. Atkinson County's Ryan Mason followed White with a single, Justin McClellan hit a three-run home run and Jonathan Guthrie hit a solo homer to tie the game at 6. Calvary immediately pulled Hutson, who allowed eight hits and three home runs, including Cam Newmans' two-run homer in the third inning.

Since Calvary's Edwards had pitched a complete game in Game 1 and Hatcher had gone the distance in Game 2, the pressure rested squarely on the shoulders and right arm of Jacobs. He delivered, striking out one and allowing two hits and no walks in the final 3 2/3 innings of the Cavaliers' 8-6 victory.

Calvary junior Hunter Smoak's two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Cavaliers a dramatic victory that propelled them into the Class A state championship series. Smoak's walkoff homer to left field also overshadowed Jacobs' critical production on the mound.

"There was so much pressure on him," Calvary junior outfielder Ryan Claus said of Jacobs. "To come into a state playoff game and have to take on that much pressure and step it up like he did, that was just awesome."

Jacobs deflects the praise.

"I'm ready at all times," Jacobs said. "I know I've got a good defense behind me, so that always helps. I've also got a great catcher (sophomore Joey Robertson). He's probably one of the best blocking, defensive catchers in Savannah and the area."

This season, Jacobs has pitched the fewest number of innings (36 1/3) among Calvary pitchers, but he is the only hurler with a perfect record on the mound.

"Mainly, I just try to locate my pitches," said Jacobs, who has command of the fastball, curveball and change-up. "It's a lot of groundball outs and pop-up outs that I get, and the guys behind me don't commit a lot of errors.

"When I'm on the mound, I really don't hear anything. I don't hear the fans and sometimes it's even hard for Coach (Farmer) to get my attention because I'm just so focused on getting the batter out and winning."